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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: May 03, 2018 9:36 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThorough review and update of the entire travel advice content.2. ADVISORIESSpain - Take normal security precautionsTake normal security precautions in Spain.3. SECURITYCrimePetty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. It is most prevalent in larger cities and particularly during holidays, festivals and weekends.Thieves are especially active in crowded areas, such as:airportspublic transportation facilitiesroadshotel lobbiesrestaurants and outdoor cafésbeachestourist attractionsHome burglaries occur in larger cities and sometimes affect homes offered through accommodation-sharing apps.Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Carry a photocopy or digital copy of your passport identification page, driver's licence, train or airline tickets and credit cards.Do not leave luggage unattended at any airport check-in or ticket counter, car rental desk or in hotel lobbies. Thieves take advantage of distracted travellers to steal unattended bags.Violent crime is rare, but does occur.Avoid frequenting unlit areas, particularly at night.Tactics used by criminalsThieves work alone or in groups. They use various techniques to distract their victims and steal their belongings.Thieves also distract their victims with offers of assistance (with directions, for example). While the victim is distracted, an accomplice robs the victim.Be extremely cautious with your belongings at all times and in all places.On the roadThieves have been known to fake or provoke road-related incidents, such as flat tires. When a motorist stops to help, the thieves steal the motorist's car or belongings. The reverse scenario has also occurred, whereby a thief offers to help a motorist in distress and steals the motorist's car or belongings. In the event of a road-related incident, be extremely cautious about accepting help from anyone other than a uniformed officer from the National Police Corps or Civil Guard.There is a high threat of theft from rental vehicles. Be particularly vigilant in service areas on coastal highways. Avoid leaving any luggage or valuables in the vehicle. Use secure parking facilities.When travelling by car, always lock your doors, keep windows closed and keep valuable belongings out of sight.MadridIn Madrid, known high-risk locations for thieves are:the Puerta del Sol area and surrounding streetsGran VíaPlaza Mayor, near the Prado Museumthe Atocha train stationRetiro Parkthe subway systemBarcelonaIn Barcelona, known high-risk locations for thieves are:the airport and on the airport shuttle bus (the Aerobus)on Las Ramblas (often in Internet cafés)in Plaza Cataluña, Plaza Reial and surrounding streets of the old cityon the subwayBarceloneta beachat Sagrada Familia churchat the Sants train and bus stationFraudInternet scamsInternet scams originating in Spain are common.In a typical scam, the victim is contacted via email and informed that they have won a substantial prize in the Spanish lottery (el Gordo), when in fact the victim has never participated in the lottery. The victim is asked to deposit an amount of money in a bank account to pay taxes and other fees before collecting the prize or coming to Spain to close the transaction.In a similar scam, a person is informed that he or she is the recipient of a large inheritance, and that funds must be deposited into a Spanish bank account so the inheritance can be processed.Another common scam takes the form of a bogus email purportedly sent from an individual well known to the victim and claiming that he or she is in trouble and needs funds. Before attempting to assist financially, always speak to the person directly rather than following the instructions in an email.Do not travel to Spain with the intention to obtain restitution after losing money to a scam. Instead, file a report with your local law enforcement agency and seek legal advice on how to deal with the situation.ATM fraudCredit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards. Specifically:pay careful attention when your card is handled by othersuse ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or businessavoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual featurecover the keypad with one hand when entering your PINcheck for any unauthorized transaction on your account statementsMore about overseas fraudSpiked food and drinksNever leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.Demonstrations and strikesDemonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking placeFollow the instructions of local authoritiesMonitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrationsStrikes can occur and may also disrupt traffic and public transportation. Due to the potential service disruptions to essential services, be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice.More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)Political situation in CataloniaGeneral strikes and demonstrations may occur in Catalonia due to the ongoing political situation in the region. These may be called on short notice. In the event of a general strike, contact your transportation carrier to find out if the situation could affect your travel plans.TerrorismThere is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. In Spain, a vehicle was driven into pedestrians at Las Ramblas in Barcelona on August 17, 2017. The incident resulted in many casualties. Further attacks in Europe are likely.Targets could include:government buildings, including schoolsplaces of worshipairports and other transportation hubs and networkspublic areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreignersAlways be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.The Spanish government maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media (including social media). The current level is set to 4 (high), the second-highest level on a scale from 1 to 5.More about the terrorism threat level - Spanish Ministry of Interior (in Spanish only)Road safetyRoad conditions and road safety can vary throughout the country. In some areas, aggressive drivers and excessive speeds can pose risks.Travellers may experience delays crossing between Spain and Gibraltar due to increased border controls. Be sure you are adequately prepared for lengthy delays, for example, by carrying water during hot summer days.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlinesMountain activitiesIf you intend to do mountaineering or skiing:never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable companybuy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuationensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activityensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazardinform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to campknow the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatalobtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes, particularly in early or late winter4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the Spanish authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.Schengen areaSpain is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.General information about the Schengen areaForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaPassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasTourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day periodBusiness visa: Not requiredStudent visa: RequiredOther entry requirementsImmigration officials may ask you to show them a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Children and travelLearn about travel with children.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesHealth care is good. Service is available throughout the country.Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.Travel health and safety6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.Canada and Spain are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Spain to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Spanish authorities.IdentificationYou must carry adequate ID, such as a passport, to provide to a police officer upon request. You could be detained until you can prove your identity. Keep a photocopy or digital copy of your passport's photo page in a safe place, should your passport be lost or seized.In Spain, foreign visitors must present a passport upon check-in at a hotel. Do not leave your passport with reception. Wait until they have taken the details or made a copy of and returned the passport to you.Restaurants, hotels, shops and other such establishments routinely request passports or other pieces of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's licence, to process credit card transactions.Illegal drugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.Illegal activities or restricted activitiesIn Madrid, Barcelona and the Balearic and Canary islands, the consumption of alcohol in the street is banned by various municipal or regional authorities. You must respect this law; fines are imposed for failure to comply.It is illegal to photograph military installations.Some municipalities have banned beachwear outside of local beaches, including on beachfront promenades. If caught, you could face on-the-spot fines.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is not legally recognized in Spain.If local authorities consider you a citizen of Spain, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.General information for travellers with dual citizenshipDrivingFor stays up to six months, you must carry an international driving permit and your valid driver's licence to drive in Spain. For stays longer than six months, you must obtain a Spanish driver's licence.The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless the vehicle is fitted with a hands-free device (for example, in-car Bluetooth or a mounted GPS device).The use of a seatbelt is mandatory for the driver and all passengers in a car. Children under 12 who are less than 135 cm tall must ride in appropriate car seats.Vehicles must be equipped for emergency situations. You must carry:2 red warning triangles that must be placed in front of and behind the vehicle in case of accident or breakdowna reflective jacket, kept inside the car (not in the trunk), that you must wear when leaving a vehicle that is stranded or involved in a highway accidenta spare tirefull set of spare light bulbs, plus the tools to change themDrivers who fail to comply with these laws may be subject to on-the-spot fines.Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent or 0.03 percent for new drivers. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines or jail sentences, and driver's licences may be confiscated.More information about driving in Spain - European CommissionMore about the International Driving PermitMoneyThe currency of Spain is the euro (EUR).Credit cards are widely accepted and ABMs are widely available. Foreign currency can be changed at banks and exchange offices (cambios).If you are carrying more than €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs upon your entry or exit to the European Union. The sum can be in cash, cheque, money order, traveller's cheque or any other convertible asset. This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.More information about cash controls - European CommissionInvestmentsIf you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments in Spain, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and Spain before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATERainy seasonTorrential rainfall and storms are common between the months of September and November in the Valencia region and the Balearic Islands.WildfiresHigh temperatures create dry conditions, which can lead to large fires throughout Spain. Fires can lead to railway and road (including major highway) closures and could affect air traffic.The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke and affect travellers with respiratory ailments.Avoid areas affected by active wildfires, follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel and monitor local media sources for up-to-date information.Mountainous areasThe weather in mountainous areas can be unpredictable. If you are planning a mountaineering or skiing holiday, stay informed of the latest information on weather and safety conditions.Latest weather warnings - Spanish government's meteorological agency

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